. >> reporter: after the campaigns focused on virginia last week, by monday, both were into full debate prep mode. the president in nevada, mitt romney in boston. >> if i become president -- no, when i become president -- >> reporter: the new poll shows president obama leading mitt romney 49 to 47% nationally among likely voters. >> it is a tight race, a very tight race. >> reporter: the poll asked who would do a better job on budgeting and spending, romney beat the president 50 to 43%. >> when it gets down to the ballot, although he is ahead on the most important factor, he is behind because of the likability factor. >> reporter: kennedy says the president still needs to make his case to close the deal. >> i think the thing that obama needs to accomplish is that he needs to show people he has a plan to grow the economy. >> reporter: while the campaigns are downplaying debate expectations. >> governor romney, he is a good debater. i'm just okay. >> reporter: what is not debatable is the interest. the live audience is invitation only so that means the tv audience is expected to be in the